A 60-year-old British tourist has died after being swept into the sea by a wave at Los Gigantes, a popular natural swimming pool in western Tenerife.
The man was one of three people caught in the incident yesterday near the Crab Island Pool, close to the Barcelo Santiago Hotel in Santiago del Teide. Despite efforts to save him, he could not be revived. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, police, firefighters, and medical teams, responded after he was found face down in the water. He was airlifted to a nearby football pitch, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Authorities confirmed he had suffered cardiac arrest.
Two women who were also swept into the sea managed to reach safety. One sustained minor injuries and was treated at a health center, while the other was treated for a panic attack but did not require hospitalization.
The tragedy occurred just before midday and followed warnings from local officials about heavy waves and strong swells in the Canary Islands. The natural pool, though protected by a concrete wall, is known to pose risks during high ocean waves, with travel sites advising caution.
A spokesperson for the regional emergency response center stated: “Emergency services were called to the rescue of three people swept into the sea near the Crab Island natural pool. The alarm was raised shortly before midday. Sadly, a 60-year-old man died despite rescue efforts. Two women managed to escape, one with minor injuries and the other unharmed but shaken.
